From the Guidelines
Having a prior septoplasty with turbinate reduction does make a subsequent rhinoplasty somewhat riskier, but not prohibitively so. The main increased risks include more challenging surgical conditions due to scar tissue, potentially compromised blood supply to nasal tissues, and less predictable healing outcomes 1. Surgeons typically need to wait at least 6-12 months after your initial septoplasty before performing rhinoplasty to allow for complete healing. During consultation, your surgeon will need to thoroughly evaluate your nasal structure, review your previous surgical records, and possibly order imaging studies to assess the current state of your nasal anatomy.
Some key points to consider when evaluating the risks of rhinoplasty after septoplasty with turbinate reduction include:
- The presence of scar tissue from your previous surgery may require modified surgical techniques and could potentially affect the final aesthetic outcome 1.
- Experienced rhinoplasty surgeons regularly perform successful revisions on patients with prior nasal surgeries, and the key to minimizing risks is selecting a board-certified facial plastic surgeon or otolaryngologist with specific expertise in revision rhinoplasty 1.
- Being realistic about potential outcomes given your surgical history is crucial, as the presence of scar tissue and potentially compromised blood supply may affect the final result.
- Inferior turbinate reduction, which is often performed concurrently with septoplasty, may also impact the outcome of subsequent rhinoplasty, as it can affect the nasal airway and turbinate size 1.
Overall, while a prior septoplasty with turbinate reduction may increase the risks associated with rhinoplasty, it is not a contraindication for the procedure, and many patients undergo successful rhinoplasty after previous nasal surgeries 1.
From the Research
Risks Associated with Prior Septoplasty and Turbinate Reduction
- Having a prior septoplasty with turbinate reduction may affect the outcome of a subsequent rhinoplasty procedure, as it can alter the nasal anatomy and potentially increase the risk of complications 2, 3.
- Studies have shown that septoplasty with inferior turbinate reduction can be a safe and effective procedure for improving nasal function and reducing the need for revision surgery 4, 5.
- However, the presence of prior septoplasty and turbinate reduction may require additional considerations and precautions during rhinoplasty to minimize the risk of complications, such as bleeding, infection, or septal perforation 3, 6.
Impact on Rhinoplasty Outcomes
- The available evidence suggests that prior septoplasty with turbinate reduction may not necessarily increase the risk of complications during rhinoplasty, but it can affect the surgical approach and technique used 2, 5.
- A study found that concomitant inferior turbinate reduction during septoplasty can reduce the likelihood of revision nasal surgery, which may be relevant to rhinoplasty outcomes 5.
- Another study reported improved clinical outcomes and reduced medication usage after septoplasty and inferior turbinate reduction in geriatric patients, which may have implications for rhinoplasty patients with similar demographics 6.
Key Considerations
- Patients with prior septoplasty and turbinate reduction should be carefully evaluated and counseled about the potential risks and benefits of rhinoplasty 4, 3.
- Surgeons should consider the individual patient's anatomy, medical history, and surgical goals when planning a rhinoplasty procedure after prior septoplasty and turbinate reduction 2, 5.